Chloe Zhang
Plastic bags can be recycled in Oregon, but not at the curb. They need to be collected separately from other plastics and taken to stores or recycling centers. This is because plastic bags cause problems at recycling sorting facilities, getting caught in the machinery and causing costly shutdowns. Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act is working to improve the state's recycling system, making it more effective, simpler, and accessible. The Act also encourages companies to design more sustainable packaging and ensures that recycling is handled responsibly, from sorting to processing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags recyclable? | Yes, but not at the curb. |
| Where to recycle plastic bags? | Take them back to stores or drop them off at recycling centers where they are collected separately from other plastics. |
| Why not at the curb? | Plastic bags get caught in machinery, causing costly shut-downs of sorting lines to cut the bags out of the equipment. |
| Plastic screw-on caps | Allowed on plastic bottles, jars, and jugs if they're screwed on. Do not put loose caps in your recycling container. |
| Plastic lids | Press-on lids still go in the garbage. |
| Plastic bottles and round containers | Must be larger than 2 inches by 2 inches. |
| Scrap metal | Must be less than 10 pounds and 18 inches. |
| Recycling upgrades | Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act is upgrading the state's recycling system to make it easier, clearer, and more accessible. |
| Accepted items | The list of accepted items may vary by community. Check with your local government or recycling provider for the latest updates. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags cannot be recycled at the curb
However, plastic bags can be recycled if they are collected separately from other materials. You can take plastic bags back to stores or drop them off at recycling centers, where they are accepted alongside other plastics. There are also store drop-off recycling programs that collect plastic bags and other flexible plastic packaging. These are retailer-sponsored programs, and it's important to verify that your plastic bags are accepted at drop-off locations.
Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act is working to make recycling easier, clearer, and more accessible. The state is introducing more free drop-off sites and special collection events for items that cannot be recycled at the curb. The law also encourages companies to design more sustainable packaging by charging lower fees for using less packaging, making it from recycled materials, or creating packaging that is easy to recycle.
It's important to recycle plastic bags properly and not put them in your curbside recycling bin. By following the correct procedures, you can help ensure that plastic bags are recycled effectively and do not end up in our waterways and communities.
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Take plastic bags to stores or recycling centres
Plastic bags cannot be recycled at the curb in Oregon. They cause problems at recycling sorting facilities by getting caught in the machinery and causing costly shutdowns. However, they can be recycled if collected separately from other materials.
Many retailers offer in-store drop-off programs where consumers can bring their plastic bags and other flexible plastic packaging for recycling. These programs are often sponsored by the retailers themselves or by organizations like the Flexible Film Recycling Alliance (FFRA). It is important to verify that a drop-off location accepts flexible plastic packaging before dropping it off.
There are also dedicated recycling centres that accept plastic bags and other plastics. Oregon's Recycling Modernization Act is working to increase the number of free drop-off sites and special collection events for items that cannot be recycled at home or work. You can use tools like Metro's Find a Recycler look-up tool to find the nearest drop-off location.
Before bringing plastic bags for recycling, it is important to ensure they are clean and free of any residue. This can be achieved by giving them a light wipe with a dry cloth. It is also more efficient to bring items in bulk, as this saves time and supports better recycling practices.
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Oregon's Recycling Modernization Act upgrades
As of July 1, 2025, Oregon's recycling system has undergone its biggest upgrade in decades, thanks to the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. This new law makes recycling better for the environment, fairer for workers, and easier for Oregonians. The Act holds companies that produce and sell packaging, paper products, and food serviceware accountable for responsible recycling. These companies are required to pay fees to fund facility upgrades, expanded recycling services, fair wages for workers, and public education programs.
Oregon is the first state in the US to pass such a law, inspired by similar laws in Canada and Europe. The Act ensures that the items collected for recycling are actually recycled and that it's done in an environmentally responsible way. It also encourages smarter packaging design to reduce waste. Many initial improvements will take place behind the scenes, such as upgrading recycling facilities and creating better tracking systems to renew public confidence in the system.
Over time, new items will be added to the accepted recycling list. As of July 1, 2025, small additions to the list include screw-on plastic caps on plastic bottles, jars, and jugs, and clean pizza boxes. In the future, there will be new drop-off locations and collection events for items like block Styrofoam, plastic bags, shredded paper, and large plastic buckets.
The modernization of recycling sorting facilities will enable more efficient and responsible handling and sorting of materials. The law will also provide recycling services to rural communities and apartment buildings, ensuring that all communities in Oregon have the opportunity to recycle the same items from the convenience of their homes and workplaces.
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Plastic screw-on caps are allowed if screwed on
In Oregon, plastic screw-on caps are allowed if they are screwed onto plastic bottles, jars, and jugs before being placed in recycling containers. This means that if you have a plastic bottle, jar, or jug with a screw-on cap, you should keep the cap on the container when you recycle it. Examples of screw-on caps include plastic soda bottle caps, plastic peanut butter jar tops, and plastic laundry jug tops. It's important to note that screw-on caps are different from press-on lids, which should still be thrown in the garbage.
The reason for this distinction is that plastic bags and loose caps can cause problems at recycling facilities. They can get caught in the machinery, leading to costly shutdowns as they need to be cut out of the equipment. To address this issue, Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act focuses on ensuring that collected items for recycling are actually recycled and that it's done correctly. The Act also aims to reduce plastic waste and pollution by holding companies that produce packaging materials accountable for their products' sustainability and recyclability.
As a result of this Act, there will be more drop-off recycling locations for plastic bags and other materials that cannot be recycled through curbside collection. This means that while plastic bags cannot be recycled at the curb, they can be taken back to stores or dropped off at recycling centers, where they are collected separately from other plastics. Additionally, there will be more free drop-off sites and special collection events for items that cannot be recycled through regular channels.
It's important to note that Oregon's recycling system is evolving to become more effective, simpler, and accessible. The state's Recycling Modernization Act, which came into effect on July 1, 2025, is gradually implementing improvements to make recycling easier and clearer for everyone. This includes facility upgrades that could enable the recycling of materials not currently accepted, as well as regular reviews of materials based on their environmental impact.
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Clean plastics ensure effective recycling without contaminating other materials (e.g. plastic pellets)
In Oregon, plastic bags are recyclable, but not at the curb. Plastic bags can cause serious problems for recycling facilities as they get caught in machinery, leading to costly shutdowns of sorting lines to remove the bags from the equipment. To recycle plastic bags, it is recommended to take them back to stores or drop them off at recycling centers, where they are collected separately from other plastics.
The importance of clean plastics for effective recycling is evident in Oregon's guidelines. To ensure successful recycling without contaminating other materials, such as plastic pellets, it is crucial to keep plastics clean and free from impurities. This means that plastics intended for recycling should be free of food residue, oils, chemicals, or other contaminants.
Clean plastics are essential for maintaining the integrity of recycled products. When plastics are recycled, they are typically shredded, melted, and molded into new forms. If the plastic is contaminated, it can affect the quality and performance of the final product. For example, recycled plastic pellets are often used as a raw material for creating new plastic items. If these pellets are contaminated, the resulting products may have compromised structural integrity, affecting their durability and safety.
Additionally, clean plastics help reduce the risk of chemical leaching. Some plastics contain chemicals, such as phthalates, which can be harmful to human health. If these plastics are not properly cleaned before recycling, the chemicals can leach out and contaminate other materials during the recycling process. This can lead to the spread of toxic substances, posing risks to both human health and the environment.
Furthermore, clean plastics contribute to a more efficient recycling process. When plastics are contaminated, they require additional cleaning and processing steps, increasing the complexity and cost of recycling. This can hinder the overall effectiveness of recycling programs and may even discourage the recycling of certain plastics. By ensuring that plastics are clean, recycling facilities can streamline their processes, improving the likelihood of successful recycling and reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.
To facilitate the recycling of clean plastics, individuals can take several measures. This includes rinsing and drying plastic containers before placing them in the recycling bin, ensuring that food residue and oils are removed. Additionally, checking that plastics are empty and free of hazardous substances, such as motor oil or pesticides, is crucial. By following these steps, individuals can play a vital role in ensuring effective recycling and protecting the environment from contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can recycle plastic bags in Oregon, but not at the curb. Take them back to stores or drop them off at recycling centers where they are collected separately from other plastics.
Plastic bags are a serious problem for recycling facilities. They can get caught in machinery, causing costly shutdowns of sorting lines.
You can visit Metro's Find a Recycler look-up tool to find the nearest drop-off location for plastic bags and other items.
You can recycle plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and round containers at home. Starting July 1, 2025, Oregon's Recycling Modernization Act has been upgrading the state's recycling system, so more items may be added to the list in the coming years.
Oregon's Recycling Modernization Act aims to reduce plastic pollution and waste by making companies that produce packaging materials more responsible for what they sell in the state. It encourages the use of sustainable packaging and ensures that collected recyclables are handled responsibly and turned into new products.
